Which of the following insects is characterized by incomplete metamorphosis?

Incomplete metamorphosis is a developmental process observed in certain insect groups where insects undergo three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult, without a distinct pupal stage. This means that as the nymphs grow, they gradually develop characteristics of the adult form without undergoing a major transformation.

Dragonflies are prime examples of insects that exhibit incomplete metamorphosis. In their life cycle, dragonflies begin as eggs laid in or near water. Upon hatching, they emerge as nymphs, which are aquatic and have a different form than their adult counterparts. As they grow, nymphs molt several times, progressively resembling adults until they eventually become mature dragonflies, transforming from their nymph form to the winged adult stage.

In contrast, the other insects listed, such as butterflies, bees, and grasshoppers, undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes a notable pupal stage. Butterflies and bees transition from larvae to pupae before becoming adults, while grasshoppers, although they undergo gradual changes, still follow a different pattern than the true incomplete metamorphosis seen in dragonflies. Thus, the correct choice effectively highlights an important feature of insect development in relation to incomplete metamorphosis.